Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 1, 1995 TAG: 9503010071
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Condoms are distributed at only one school in the state - T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria.
But Beyer said there has been no decrease in teen pregnancy at that school since distribution began three years ago.
Beyer, who was in Roanoke on Tuesday to speak to students in Addison Middle School's mentor program, was quizzed about prayer in school, affirmative action, racial tension and violence.
Students always can pray quietly in schools, he said, but there are dangers in trying to impose a prayer on others.
Beyer said there are more Muslims in Virginia now than Episcopalians, reflecting the growing religious diversity in the country.
"You might have children from many different religions in the same classroom," Beyer said.
Beyer mixed advice for the students with his opinions about some controversial issues.
Correcting racial and sexual discrimination will take a long time, he said, referring to the renewed debate in Washington over affirmative action programs.
Beyer, a Democrat, said President Clinton's re-election chances might hinge on whom the Republicans nominate to oppose him. "He will be re-elected if the Republicans nominate Texas Senator Phil Gramm," he predicted.
Beyer told the students that his political heroes were former President Kennedy, Sen. Robert Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King, all of whom were killed by assassins' bullets.
Beyer said he is interested in ending discrimination and injustice and accomplishing some of the other goals of his political heroes.
Beyer said he also is an admirer of Abraham Lincoln.
On a less serious note, Beyer said he's not an enthusiastic supporter of Clinton's effort to end the baseball strike. Beyer said there are too many other important issues for Clinton to deal with.
by CNB